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Santander

The north-central department of Santander is a patchwork of steep craggy mountains, deep canyons, plummeting waterfalls, raging rivers, unexplored caves and a temperate, dry climate. Mix them together and it's easy to see why Santander has become a favorite destination for outdoor lovers. Extreme-sports nuts can choose from white-water rafting, paragliding, caving, rappelling, hiking and mountain biking. Visitors with more sanity can enjoy exploring the rustic charms of Barichara, strolling the whitewashed streets of Girón or getting their dance on in the nightclubs in the department capital city of Bucaramanga.

Attractions

Must-see attractions for your itinerary

Las Gachas
Santander
Santander's answer to Caño Cristales, Las Gachas is a clear, shallow stream that emerges from a spring in lush countryside and runs along a red stone…
Parque Para Las Artes
Barichara
A lovely little park decorated with impressive water features (although they were out of service when we visited), statues carved by local sculptors and…
Teleférico
Santander
A 6.3km-long, 30-minute cable-car ride in eight-berth cabins that descend to the base of the Chicamocha canyon, then ascend to the top of the opposite rim.
Parque Nacional del Chicamocha
Santander
Don't be fooled by the name: Parque Nacional del Chicamocha, or 'Panachi' as it's known by locals, isn't a national park in the conventional sense. It's…
Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepción
Barichara
This 18th-century sandstone church is the most elaborate structure in Barichara, looking somewhat too big for the town’s needs. Its golden stonework …
Capilla de Jesús Resucitado
Barichara
This humble pale-yellow chapel has a fine baroque mahogany altarpiece. The original bell tower was damaged by lightning but has since been restored. Do…